HATTIESBURG — The Southern Miss Golden Eagles play a pivotal Conference USA game this Saturday against 5-1 North Texas, looking to improve to 2-0 in C-USA play and start the second half of the season as well as possible.

Standing in the Golden Eagles' way might be the most complete team in Conference USA. North Texas is one of 10 teams in the FBS that averages more than 40 points per game on offense and allows fewer than 20 points per game on defense. North Texas' company in that group includes six top-10 teams and the four highest-rated squads in the country.

Still, Southern Miss has the talent and success to keep this game competitive. Here are three questions Southern Miss needs to answer this Saturday versus North Texas:

1. Can Southern Miss slow down Mason Fine?

North Texas quarterback Mason Fine has been among the best quarterbacks in college football this year, throwing for 1,918 yards in six games with 15 touchdowns and one interception. He ranks eighth in the country in passing yards per game and No. 10 in the FBS in touchdowns thrown.

Of course, he hasn't faced a passing defense like Southern Miss'. The Golden Eagles rank No. 11 in the FBS for fewest passing yards allowed per game and No. 18 in opponent's passer rating. Can USM use its defensive strength to its advantage, or will North Texas' offensive juggernaut status shine through?

2. Can Jack Abraham protect the football?

No team in college football has intercepted more passes than North Texas' 12. The Mean Green defense is known for being aggressive and opportunistic. Southern Miss quarterback Jack Abraham, for all his efficiency, has been a bit turnover prone this season, throwing five interceptions and losing a pair of fumbles.

If Abraham continues to turn the ball over and give North Texas extra possessions, the Golden Eagles' offense might not stand a chance. But if Southern Miss can protect the football, there's a good chance a shootout could develop.

3. How will Southern Miss fare on the road?

This is only Southern Miss' second road game of 2018, and the first one was marred by nearly three hours' worth of lightning delays, emptying the stadium for much of the second half. It's unlikely that a scenario like that will play out again, meaning Southern Miss will have to deal with a hostile environment for a full game on Saturday.

How does this young team react to the conference game in unfriendly confines? That's yet to be seen. But the answer to that question could end up determining a lot about the rest of USM's season.